The Department of Occupational Therapy was the first non-teacher education program at Western Michigan University and is consistently ranked among the top 50 such programs in the nation by U.S. News and World Report. Currently, we are the top ranked program in the state of Michigan.
As part of the College of Health and Human Services, the Department of Occupational Therapy is an inclusive community of learners that embraces, respects and advocates for human diversity. The college has a sustained commitment to eliminating disparities in health care and other human services by using dynamic methods to infuse this perspective into curricula, clinical practice and research.
Accreditation information
The occupational therapy program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), located at 6116 Executive Boulevard, Suite 200, North Bethesda, MD 20852-4929. ACOTE’s telephone number is (301) 652-AOTA.
- Click to review NBCOT certification exam results of WMU OT grads.
- Click for more accreditation information.
WMU OT Graduation Rates 2016-18
| Year | Total admitted | Total number of graduates | Graduation rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 96 | 89 | 92.7% |
| 2017 | 96 | 94 | 97.9% |
| 2016 | 96 | 96 | 100% |
Interprofessional programs
Learn about I-PEER
The Interprofessional Peer Education and Evidence for Recovery program provides enhanced training in behavioral health best practices for social work and occupational therapy students while completing fieldwork. Students placed in a qualifying field site are eligible for a $10,000 stipend. Learn more about this federally-funded project from WMU's Department of Occupational Therapy and School of Social Work.
Learn about MY-PROUD
The Michigan Youth Prevention and Recovery from Opioid Use Disorders program provides enhanced training in treatment approaches for children and transitionally-aged youth who are at risk of or experiencing opioid or other substance use disorders. Students placed in a qualifying field site are eligible for a $10,000 stipend. Learn more about this federally-funded project from WMU's Department of Occupational Therapy and School of Social Work.
News and Events
Student Empowerment Using a Collaborative Model in Level II Fieldwork Education
Click here to read an article interpreting the benefits of a collaborative model, and what the literature reports as potential challenges and solutions. By Holly Grieves, OTD, OTRL.
Creating a functional therapy space with giant blocks
Occupational therapy students and faculty worked with staff at the Unified Clinics to create a unique new space in the Occupational Therapy Clinic to be used for working with children who have sensory disorders. The space was constructed with large, plastic, interlocking bricks.
WMU students moved to retirement home as part of intergenerational study
For more than a year, three OT grad students have lived in a communal setting off campus, similar to a residence hall with common areas and a dining center. But, in this case, the students are sharing their meals, time and personal lives with neighbors who are in their 80s and 90s
WMU grad programs ranked among nation's best by U.S. News
The latest annual U.S. News & World Report ranking of the top graduate programs in the nation shows Western Michigan University with eight programs ranked among the top 100 in their disciplines, four in the top 50 and two programs assessed as the best of their kind in Michigan. In the latest round of rankings released March 14, WMU's occupational therapy program at No. 32 nationally, making it the state's highest ranking program in that discipline.